Located in central Sweden, this industrial town has deep roots in steel production. Home to the historic Sandviken fortress and a calm lakeside promenade, with local microbreweries and museums.
Sandviken, 190 kilometers north of Stockholm, has grown from its industrial beginnings into a modern Swedish town of 38,000 residents. You'll find international bandy matches at Göransson Arena, ski down Kungsberget's slopes, and explore the restored ironworks at Högbo Bruk. People from more than 80 countries live here, bringing their music, food, and traditions to the town's museums, concerts, and festivals.
Transport Connections
Trains run from Stockholm Central Station to Sandviken every two hours, with a journey time of 1.5 hours. You can drive here via E16 highway or take Route 272 from Gävle to Högbo. In town, buses 13 and 14 connect the residential areas of Vallhov, Norrsätra, and Björksätra every 30 minutes between 6 AM and 10 PM on weekdays.
Winter Sports Facilities
At Kungsberget, you can ski or snowboard on 23 slopes, accessed by six lifts. The snowpark includes rails and jumps for different skill levels. The indoor Göransson Arena, opened in 2009, holds 4,000 spectators and is home to Sandvikens AIK bandy team. The arena held the 2023 Women's World Curling Championship and regularly hosts international bandy tournaments.
Music and Arts
Take music lessons or join theater productions at Kulturskolan throughout the year. The Sandviken Big Band performs monthly at the Cultural Center, while the Art Gallery changes its exhibitions every six weeks. Recent exhibitions have included local photography, contemporary sculpture, and international paintings.
Högbo Bruk Historical Area
Watch blacksmiths work with traditional metalworking techniques at the 18th-century Högbo Bruk ironworks. Walk through the 1828 manor house and explore the preserved industrial buildings. You can buy handmade textiles, ceramics, and metalwork from local artisans in former workers' cottages. The area has 25 kilometers of marked trails for walking or cycling.
Multicultural Community
More than 30 languages are spoken in Sandviken's streets, cafes, and community spaces. Join weekly football matches through the Framsteget sports program, or participate in language exchange meetings at the town center. Local groups organize cultural celebrations throughout the year, from food festivals to music performances.
